The class is free to those who qualify, made possible by the MoHealthWINs grant that was awarded to community colleges across the state and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. See www.mohealthwins.org for more about the program.
The GED hybrid class is the first of its kind in Missouri, and will be offered through SCC's Adult Education and Literacy Department. Missouri currently has face-to-face GED preparation classes, as well as online GED classes.
“The class provides an option for adults who want to get their GED, but have logistical barriers like transportation, conflicting work hours, children's activities or a disability,” said Amanda Sizemore, SCC director of workforce development.
The individualized, self-paced class for adult learners over age 17 uses an online GED test preparation program. Participation involves working primarily online, combined with regularly scheduled face-to-face sessions for additional assistance with a teacher. Participants may start the class at any time.
A full-time teacher will have hours scheduled on campus and at off-campus sites in SCC's service area, including Clarksville, Elsberry, O'Fallon and Warrenton, Mo.
Netbooks have been purchased for student use at face-to-face meetings. The netbooks will allow students to access the GED preparation software and Internet links while working with the teacher.
Statistics show that education is tied to higher earnings and lower unemployment rates. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2009), the median earnings in the last 12 months are higher for high school graduates or GED recipients ($25,838) than those who are not high school graduates ($18,519) (earnings represented in 2009 inflation-adjusted dollars).
For more information and program eligibility, contact Shirley Berryman, SCC AEL instructor, at 636-922-8411 or sberryman@stchas.edu. For more information on the grant, contact Tammie De Los Santos, SCC manager of workforce development initiatives, at 636-922-8342 or tdelossantos@stchas.edu.
St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.